Friday, April 24, 2015

When the Best Part of the Trip is the Return Home

We took a brief overnight trip recently in order to run a few errands up north, and also price some new bedroom furniture. When we were married almost eight years ago, we started out with a card table, two chairs, and a bedroom set that was an old hand-me-down from The Mister's side of the family. Gradually, we accumulated more furniture, a few nice pieces from my grandparent's sale, and a sofa from my parent's house circa 1985. I like to joke that if you attended the family reunion we hosted during the Reagan administration, then you have already sat on my couch. That old thing needs replacing too, but first things first. Our trip out of town did not go as smoothly as we had hoped. We got a later start than planned. When we did get moving, we drove fifteen minutes down the highway when I suddenly remembered that I left a scent warmer on in the kitchen. I knew that would happen the minute I turned the darn thing on. Much to my dismay, our only option was to turn around and head back home to unplug it. I got a head ache from being in the car. Finally, as the sun was beginning to set over the beautiful hills of eastern Pennsylvania, I reached for my camera bag and made a sour discovery: I left my camera battery in its charger, at home. There was even more nonsense the next day. There were some positives, some shopping done, and we were thankful that we didn't have any major catastrophes. No foul weather, injuries, or that most dreaded of all travel nightmares, car trouble. We were even able to take The Little Mister to a restaurant without incident, something we have been unable to do since he was a newborn. A lengthy performance with a finger puppet helped a lot, and elicited many smiles.When we arrived home, I exhaled so hard that a nearby tree was uprooted.

We never did find any affordable bedroom furniture, either. I came home and dealt with the same tiny over-stuffed bureau drawers and miniature nightstands that I've been contending with for years. Furniture built for a different time, when people owned two dresses and one pair of shoes.Two days later I went out to the garden to check on my small spring garden, and saw buds on all the berry bushes, new growth in the strawberries, and bunches of rhubarb poking through the winter weeds. It had all happened so suddenly. When I went to tear out the ornamental hydrangea that I killed last summer, I found it wasn't dead at all.

Renewal is among the greatest gifts bestowed on us, whether we're worthy of it or not. I can't think of anything better than second chances, new beginnings, and a fresh sunrise each day.

Perhaps some decent and affordable bedroom furniture could compete with that, but I guess it wasn't meant for right now. Today I'll settle for the reminder growing around me that everything is beautiful in its time. Crunchy Pepper Jack Salad with Smooth Avocado DressingWe've been eating this salad all week, it is so delicious, healthy, and satisfying. I adapted it from several similar recipes to make a salad that is inexpensive but packs a lot of flavor. You can buy every ingredient at a discount grocery store. Just don't skimp on the tasty avocado dressing.Salad:1 can black beans, drained and rinsed1 cup frozen corn, thawed1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 diced red pepper1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese1 small head chopped lettuce- romaine or butter crunch works well A sprinkling of crushed tortilla chipsDressing:1 small avocado, peeled and sliced1 tsp. diced hot peppers1/2 tsp. minced garlic or 1 garlic clove1/4 cup sour cream1/4 cup salsa1/4 cup milk2 Tablespoons olive oil1/2 tsp. sugarjuice of one lime1/4 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. cumin1/8 tsp. pepper1/8 tsp. smoked paprika (optional)Blend all ingredients for dressing in a blender until smooth. This made enough dressing for two big bowls of salad, which was fine since two bowls lasted for four meals.

HA! Why does that trip sound so familiar?! In case you haven't guessed, we are prone to one thing and another going oddly wrong. Your salad looks yummy and similar to one we are enjoying from time to time in our house!

"When we arrived home, I exhaled so hard that a nearby tree was uprooted." You kill me! And your ability to keep laughing, even through all the stresses and turmoils life can toss at you, never ceases to increase my love admiration for you.

You should take advantage of Aldi's good price on avocados. They are so versatile and contain healthy fats. I use them on sandwiches, or if they are really soft, as a sandwich spread. This dressing, however, is exceptional. I want to eat it all the time now but it goes best with this salad.

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About Me

I'm Monica, and I invite you to follow along as I write about the joy and humor found in family life, homemaking, and enjoying the seasons on our tiny farmette. The Mister and I live out our faith in the Mennonite church, and strive to live simply. Thank you for reading!

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